Tata Nano is a rear-engined, four-passenger city car aimed primarily at the Indian market.
Tata Nano has been priced with a starting rate of Rs.134000.00 for the Base model and Rs.160000.00 & Rs.185000.00 for the CX & LX model respectively. It is cheaper than the Maruti 800, its main competitor which is next cheapest Indian car priced at 1,84,600.00 Rupees. Nano is 8 percent smaller in exterior size and has 23 percent larger interior space in comparison to Maruti 800. It is available in 6 Shades and the top model LX comes fully loaded with AC, front power windows, fog lights, central locking, tinted glass, body colored bumpers and digital tripmeter.
Tata Motors has taken a few technical measures in the Nano, post the ‘fire’ incidents involving the car. The new additions are: 1) A cover for the catalytic convertor. 2) Addition of a fuse in the electrical system to prevent short-circuit post any after-market fitment in the car. 3) Replacement of the starter motor (in cars produced till Jan ’10). Design & Style Of Tata Nano. Tata Nano has been designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy. With a length of 3099mm, width of 1495mm, height of 1652mm and with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas.
Tata Nano's mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which sets a new benchmark among small cars. The main styling elements of Nano are centre crease on the bonnet, side scoops which not only looks sporty but also helps to keep the rear mounted engine cool. Tata is also providing some add-ons like alloys, rear spoiler & sunroof to make Tata Nano more stylish & attractive. From the rear it looks more or less like the Indica Vista with vertical tail lamps. The centrally placed exhaust pipe looks very cool. First look at the Tata Nano may not impress you in terms of dimensions but even though the car looks tiny and miniscule in images but it is only when you come up close to it that you can make out that its virtual length constitutes the very cabin space! Interiors Of Tata Nano. Step inside and you will feel like you are entering a proper hatch. Nano has more space inside in comparison to the Maruti 800 and Alto. The top model of Tata Nano, LX comes with three spoke steering wheel while the base model & CX features rather simple two spoke one. There are many cost saving factors like the hazard warning light switch has been placed behind the steering wheel. The front power window switches in Tata Nano have been placed on the centre console to save the wiring costs. The dash of Tata Nano has been designed in such a manner that they can easily produce left hand drive models as the instrument cluster is placed in centre of the dash and the design of dash is same on both sides. The legroom & headroom in Tata Nano is more than sufficient. The rear passengers have plenty of legroom even if the driver & front passengers are six footers.
Engine, Ride & Handling Of Tata Nano Tata Nano has a rear mounted , all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 624 cc, multi point fuel injection petrol engine which develops maximum power of 34.5 Bhp at 5250 rpm with maxiumum torque of 48 Nm at 3000 rpm. This is the first time that a two-cylinder petrol engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy of Tata Nano has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency.
Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.Due to rear mounted engine the luggage space in Tata Nano has been pushed to the front. Making the engine closer to the fuel tank has another advantage of increased fuel efficiency. Rear mounted engine also help in reducing the power loss during transmission. Tata Nano has front disk and rear drum brakes. The company claims mileage of 17 plus kmpl in city and 20 plus kmpl on highway.
Riding on small 12" wheels and tubeless tyres, the Tata Nano rides surprisingly well. Most bumps are rounded nicely, but as the speeds climb the ride can get a little firm.
The steering has a little vagueness around the centre position, dial in more lock it feels direct and provides good feedback as well. Grip levels are decent but are limited by the narrow tyres. Straightline stability is also good, you can cruise comfortably at 80-90kph. Safety Features Of Tata Nano By adhering to the fact that less weight requires less power, Tata Nano is made of light weighing steel. This has made the Tatas come up with a cheap alternative with out compromising on safety and performance. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres of Tata Nano further enhance safety. It exceeds current regulatory requirements with a strong passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorage.